I discovered one of my weaknesses very quickly as the first question asked to classify a poem. Poetry is one of the areas in which I need to improve my analysis skills greatly. Starting with learning the terms, the classifications. Another area that I need to improve upon is recognizing what the symbols are within any piece of literature, and discover what it is being symbolized. In my first reading of a piece I don't go in deep enough. I scan the surface, not picking up on the true meaning of the piece until I'm over halfway through with it's questions, if at all. I need to dive deeper, sooner.
As I scan the surface though, I do pick up on the literary devices quickly. I can identify the similes, personification, parallel structure, etc. the first time over and remember how they were helpful if referenced in a question. I can usually see how the piece connects as well. In the questions where it asks what certain words were referring to I can look back and easily find what two things connect. I can usually figure out what the basic meaning of a passage is, but it's the deeper meaning that tricks me up.
To improve my literary analysis skills, specifically in poetry first, I want to have read, analyzed and classified at least ten classic poems by October. Practice makes perfect right? In order to better identify symbols and the deeper meaning behind pieces I want to time myself analyzing 8 pieces from 5 Steps or the textbook by October. I want to be able to catch on the more important ideas the first time. Finally, I want improve my vocabulary, some of the words that were answers to the questions I just didn't know. I want to define 20 new vocabulary words I find in 5 Steps or the textbook by October.
Reading through your blog post, I realized that we had a lot of the same problems regarding the test. I also had many issues with tough vocab, and realized that I need to expand my vocabulary. I noticed that one of your goals was to learn 20 new words by October. I would like to suggest an easier way to manage your time. Over the next three or four weeks plan to learn one new vocab word each day. This will help keep you on track, and also learn all the new words that you want. Also one small thing you could improve on your blog is to make specific references to the text, or certain questions on the test. This allows for me as a reader to see what exactly troubled you.
ReplyDeleteI think most of your goals are very realistic, and are definitely achievable with a little bit of hard work. I know with some time and effort you will be successful.